2.1.15

Factors affecting Diffusion

Test yourself on Factors affecting Diffusion

After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Factors Affecting Diffusion

The rate of diffusion can speed up or slow down based on the following factors:

Concentration gradient

Concentration gradient

  • The concentration gradient is linked to the difference in concentration between two areas.
  • The bigger the difference in concentration between two areas, the greater the concentration gradient and the faster the rate of diffusion.
Temperature

Temperature

  • The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of diffusion.
Membrane surface area

Membrane surface area

  • The larger the surface area of the membrane that a substance is diffusing through (e.g. the membrane around a cell), the faster the rate of diffusion.
Distance

Distance

  • The greater the distance a substance has to diffuse across, the more time taken.
  • For example, a thicker membrane creates a larger distance, so diffusion across it will take longer.
Jump to other topics
1

The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2

Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3

Organism Functions

3.1

Respiration

3.2

Gas Exchange

3.3

Transport

3.4

Excretion

3.5

Coordination & Response

4

Reproduction & Inheritance

5

Ecology

6

Biological Resources

Practice questions on Factors affecting Diffusion

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Answer all questions on Factors affecting Diffusion

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium